Contemporary and quirky gifts are flying off the shelves after the reopening of a popular card and gift shop.

Tiffany Leach in her new shop, Kingfisher Gifts and Cards. Picture: Clarissa Place

Tiffany Leach has spent the last three weeks decorating Kingfisher Cards and Gifts, formerly Coles, ahead of its first day of trading last Friday (December 7).

The businesswoman is a familiar face in the town, having owned the ice cream kiosk outside Dukes for 18 years.

She owns a further two businesses, including a gift shop in Dawlish, but says it is the first time she has ventured into cards.

Since opening last Friday, Tiffany says visitors and traders have been very welcoming with the shop packed to bursting during late night shopping.

Tiffany said: “I wanted to get it (the shop) open sooner but it takes time. I’m really pleased.

“I’ve wanted a gift shop in Sidmouth and I saw the opportunity and though I want to make a go of this.

“I know Sidmouth, I know what’s around and have an idea of what people are selling.

“We have had lots of compliments saying its nice that you can see right to the back of the shop.”

While sourcing stock, Tiffany hopes the range of contemporary, funny and traditional cards will continue to be a big hit with customers.

“My other shop is not a card shop, that’s more touristy - rock, fudge and things like that with a few card,”said Tiffany,

“There is nowhere near this. We have gifts for all ages and cards for all occasions.”

When the summer season picks up, Tiffany says she has great staff that will be able to look after the businesses while she concentrates on Kingfisher.

She said: “I will be here for now, you cannot just open up a business and leave it. I usually stay with it two or three years until everyone is used to what needs doing.”

She thanked the town’s ‘friendly’ community for spreading the word about her opening on social media, adding it was good to see a number of new and independent businesses.

Tiffany said: “That’s what you want to keep the town busy and not have lots of closed shops.”

The shop is dog and buggy friendly and offers a sofa for any shoppers needing to put their feet up. At a later date, the owner hopes to start offering stamps, a loyalty card as well as personalised and Sidmouth-themed gifts.